Antique Old-Vieux Paris Porcelain Coffer or Jewel Box. France, 19th Century

Antique Old-Vieux Paris Porcelain Coffer or Jewel Box. France, 19th Century

Antique Old Parir or Vieux Paris porcelain coffer or jewel box made in France in the 19th century, in fine condition and really beautiful. The coffer can also be used as a chocolate or candy box and shows a wonderful hand-painted decoration in stylish and subtle colors which enhances the great look of the delicate composition. The gold paint of the branches which adorn the coffer is slightly worn, and at the end of one of them we can also see a tiny flaw, scarcely appreciable. These details, though, do not interfere with the piece’s aesthetic, which displays an uncommon beauty. The lid is an especially remarkable part, adorned with a gorgeous figurine depicting a young and elegant mother reading a book with her naked child, who sits on her lap. The figures are proportioned and show natural postures, creating a dynamic composition full of charm and movement. The woman’s clothes are delicately painted with different types of prints, painted with high detail. The color array is subtle and charming, and makes a great match with the white coffer and its gold ornaments.

This antique Vieux Paris porcelain coffer or jewel box is an exclusive item, worthy to become part of a room decorated with taste and style.

Dimensions: Width: 11.41 in / 29 cm. Height: 10.62 in / 27 cm. Depth: 6.29 in / 16 cm.

Old Paris Porcelain – History

The name Vieux Paris (Old Paris) is given to the production of bone chine pieces which took place in the French capital city between the 1750s and 1870. In 1740, king Louis XV gave the monopoly for the production of porcelain pieces to the Sèvres factory. This instigated the rebellion of the ceramists and porcelain artists of the capital; after they were allowed to produce monochrome pieces with no decoration, they started making ornamented pieces under different subterfuges. Production flourished, and the huge quality and versatility of the pieces turned them into a very sought-after items by French nobles, always looking for new trends. The porcelains show all kind of styles and stood out for their wonderful decorations of birds, gallant scenes, cupids, flowers and scrolls. Many of the Vieux Paris artists even decorated pieces made in Sèvres or Limoges, turning them into real objects of desire for the high classes.